CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University Statesmen and Lady Statesmen opened the 2025–26 swim season in commanding fashion on Friday afternoon at the Magnolia State Invitational, hosted at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center. From dominant relay victories to breakout individual swims, both teams showcased early-season depth and form that bodes well for the rest of the year.
On the men's side, Delta State's 'A' relay, consisting of Mateus Franco, Jacob Hamblen, Gui Furlan, and Michael Robinson, took first in the 200-yard medley relay with a 1:33.45 time. The 200-yard freestyle relay, consisting of Hamblen, Kostantin Ilijic, Ethan Baylin and Robinson, took home first (1:24.87) to wrap up the event. Individually, Kacper Mochnal placed first in the 200-yard fly (1:49.28) and 200-yard IM (1:59.61). Robinson placed first in the 50-yard free (20.22) and the 200-yard back (2:01.95). Franco finished first in the 500-yard free (4:44.33).
For the women, eight Lady Statesmen finished first in their respective events:
As a relay, Olivia Murphy, Davis, Nimander, and Owens secured a first place finish in the 200-yard relay with a 1:38.28 finish.
Overall, the depth of the roster was on display, as Delta State racked up top-five finishes in nearly every event. With both teams winning the majority of their relays and notching multiple first-place finishes, the meet served as a clear statement of readiness for a tough schedule ahead.
Up next, the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to take on Division I Alabama on Friday, Sept. 26, before returning home to face Rhodes College at home on Saturday, Sept. 27.
